AUATON SECURES LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR E-HAILING REGULATION IN HISTORIC MEETING WITH HON. ALEX MASCOT IKWECHEGH. Abuja, Nigeria – November 5, 2024 .In a landmark development for Nigeria’s e-hailing industry, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has secured critical support from Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a respected member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. This meeting is a decisive step toward creating a legislative framework that will protect drivers, passengers, and ride-hailing platforms alike, ensuring a safe, fair, and well-regulated environment within Nigeria’s rapidly growing app-based transport sector.During the advocacy visit, Hon. Ikwechegh extended a formal apology for a recent incident involving an AUATON member, reaffirming his commitment to treating app-based transport workers with respect and dignity. This gesture was welcomed by AUATON’s leadership, who recognized Hon. Ikwechegh’s willingness to support the union’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Furthermore, Hon. Ikwechegh expressed his eagerness to collaborate with AUATON in drafting a bill designed to set clear and enforceable guidelines for the e-hailing industry. This proposed legislation would aim to safeguard the rights of App-based transport workers, ensure passenger safety, and establish fair operational practices for ride-hailing companies.AUATON’s delegation included influential representatives from its leadership structure, such as the North-Central and South-East Zonal Chairmen, the National Auditor, the National Ex-Officio, and the FCT Chairman, among other key stakeholders.

This strong presence underscored AUATON’s commitment to advocating for comprehensive protections for its members and securing meaningful reform for Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.Hon. Ikwechegh’s pledge of support represents a significant breakthrough for the e-hailing sector in Nigeria, where industry-specific legislation has been largely absent. As the e-hailing transport sector grows in Nigeria, drivers and passengers face unique challenges, from fluctuating fare rates and service quality to the need for improved safety standards. AUATON’s proposed legislation would address these gaps, laying the foundation for a well-regulated e-hailing market that prioritizes the rights and welfare of all parties involved.”This engagement with Hon. Ikwechegh is a turning point for our union and for Nigeria’s app-based transport workers,” said Adedamola Adeniran, National President of AUATON, ably represented by Comrade Ayodele Anthony”Our goal is to establish a legal framework that secures fair treatment, safety, and economic viability for drivers, while also ensuring that passengers and platform providers are protected. Hon. Ikwechegh’s support brings us closer to achieving these goals.” He said.The proposed legislation, still in the early drafting stages, would focus on several core areas:

1. Driver Rights and Welfare: Ensuring fair compensation, access to benefits, and protections against unfair treatment.

2. Passenger Safety: Setting standards for security and accountability, making the e-hailing experience safer and more reliable.

3. Platform Accountability: Establishing fair and transparent practices for ride-hailing companies, ensuring they operate with integrity and respect for both drivers and riders.This advocacy visit is part of AUATON’s broader mission to bring structure, support, and sustainability to Nigeria’s app-based transport sector. As Nigeria’s e-hailing industry expands, AUATON remains dedicated to advancing the rights and protections of its members through proactive engagement with lawmakers and key stakeholders.Hon. Ikwechegh’s commitment to collaborate on a regulatory framework is a powerful signal that the Nigerian government is prepared to take action in support of app-based transport Workers, passengers, and platforms. As AUATON continues to advocate for legislative reform, this partnership stands as a critical milestone in the journey toward a safer, fairer, and more sustainable e-hailing landscape in Nigeria.

Signed: Comrade Dr. Nwachukwu Chinedu Peter

( DPA, FCAI, SCI, FCMIMPA)

National Ex-officio. National Chairman, Media, Publicity and Technical Committee AUATON